This is why Gammons is the Best

Peter Gammons wrote this in his blog today.  Take a look at what the Red Sox are doing in comparsion to the Yankees.  Very scary if you look at just the numbers. 

In the offseason a year ago, Lester’s name came up in discussions about a deal with the Twins for Johan Santana. At the 2007 winter meetings, Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell stood up in an organizational meeting and predicted Lester would be the equal of Santana during the next five years.

 

“You just don’t find people and talent like Lester, especially that young,” Farrell said.

 

Phrases such as the following are what define Lester: “When people talk about competing, that isn’t enough. I don’t want to just compete, I want to win. All my physical and mental preparation is about winning.”

 

So as the Red Sox prepare to sign Lester for five years and $30 million, they will pay Beckett, Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, John Smoltz, Brad Penny and Clay Buchholz less than $36 million this season. Compare that figure with what the New York Yankees are paying two of their pitchers. If you include two $3 million bonuses CC Sabathia will receive during the 2009 season, Sabathia and A.J. Burnett will make $36.5 million. Boston has 2009 obligations to Beckett, Lester and Matsuzaka for $21 million.

 

Boston’s bullpen of Jonathan Papelbon, Takashi Saito, Hideki Okajima, Justin Masterson, Javier Lopez and Ramon Ramirez will make approximately $11.7 million in 2009. And that doesn’t include prospect Daniel Bard, who struck out the side Sunday against the American League-champion Tampa Bay Rays while throwing 100 mph. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Reds closer Francisco Cordero will make $12 million in 2009.

Red Sox Extend Jon Lester

Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Red Sox have extended Jon Lester for 5 years at $30 Million with a team option for $13 million in 2014.  Lester was the Red Sox most consistent starter last year and pitched a no-hitter.  Lester is only 25 years old and I think this is a very smart signing for the Red Sox.  My only worry is that Josh Beckett’s contract/extension becomes an issue before the season ends.  Lester won 16 games in ‘08 and should only continue to improve going forward.  The Sox are trying to ensure the future success of the franchise by signing the young stars to team friendly extensions.